| Comments From Patients |
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mossboss
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First let me qualify myself as a reviewer.As a general rule,I do not like Drs and I ESPECIALLY DON'T LIKE HOSPITALS. Most Docs
treat you like a dummy & if you dare ask a question,it's like you have questioned God Almighty.I spent 5 days in hospital last year
with an infection in my leg.They tried to kill me one way or another every day I was there.
Having said all that, Dr A is not only a gifted surgeon but a warm, interested human being. Always willing to answer questions, pre and post op.Post op, checks up on you
almost hourly and again,always willing to listen and answer questions.This attitude carries over to the whole staff,DR Gabriel,
the ever cheerful Christina and the lovely Rosy(the driver).Even the nurses who were not
bilingual were cheerful and helpful.
I would... [Click here for more] not hesitate to recommend DR A and the hospital to anyone,
And as an added benefit for you ladies,he's as handsome as a movie star
Posted on 07/03/2009 |
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Paree1999
Amarillo, TX
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I had my surgery on August 23, 2008. I have lost 106 lbs. I was so very impressed with Dr. A and his staff. I had done extensive research and tried to get my insurance to pay. There was no way. THe cheapest I found in the US was 12000 for the sleeve. I contacted them and they were not real warm and fuzzy. SO I contacted Dr. A. Susan contacted me with in 24 hours and with in 3 days my surgery was scheduled. I had to wait for an check to come in from my fathers IRA and I recieved it a week before my surgery. Tey were very patient in waiting for me. Rosy the driver was an excellant tour guide and got to love her coach bag :) Dr. A and Dr. Gabe were absolutely adorable (my mother kept flirting with the very happily married Dr. A) He was completely fluent in english as was... [Click here for more] his nurse Christina. THe hospital was clean and the staff there was very nice. There was a language barrier but even through that you could feel that they cared and were glad to see you. My family and I were treated like royalty and there was nothing we requested that we did not get. We were able to stay in touch with our family in the states. I must say everyone thought I was crazy to go to Mexico for surgery, and the price was what lead me there, but I will do it again, again and again. After all there is no surgeon in the US that would carry the luggage to the room seriously. Also I worked in the operating room for years and the room there (that I remember) was super clean and modern. In mexico things are simple bleach and alcohol. No special kimberly clark or baxter products to increase the cost of your stay. I love the fact that I can just call or email a question and within moments I have a response. The team is wonderful, I have never been treated so well and supported so much by perfact strangers. I would never reccomend another surgeon to do this procedure DR A knows his stuff and is excellant. After care support is outstanding as well. FAB experience. My mother is thinking of doing it as well. WOO HOO I took my mom and she had hers done on Juen 4, 2009 wow what a Great experience
Posted on 06/30/2009 |
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bettyjboop
Amarillo, TX
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I had my surgery on June 4, 2009. I first met Dr. A and his staff when I went with my daughter last August. I was a RN in post operative care and ICU for 42 years and I was amazed at the cleanliness of the hospital (cleaner that any hospital I have worked in the US). The nurses were so kind eventhough there was a language barrier there was a full time bilingual nurse to interprete. Also I noticed since my daughter had her surgery to now some of the nurses that were the same were learning a few words of English and that was very much appreciated. You just want to talk to them and tell them how sweet they are. The pre op prep was very thorough as I am a bit older, so I was not pressured to schedule surgery until all the helth checks were complete. I was completely aware of all... [Click here for more] the risk and educated on after care. Dr. A and his staff were excellant and I would recommend ANYONE to go to them and make the change FOREVER. I feel like Dr. A and his staff are family and I say that with the most sincereity and love I have for my own family. Susan is amazing, Rosie is the best ever, and Dr. A and Dr. R Dr. S were all sooo caring and kind (not at all like US Dr.s that are entitled). It was the best experience of my life. Thanks so much Dr. A and staff you all are so gifted and blessed.
Posted on 06/29/2009 |
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Sue B.
Raleigh, NC
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Honestly, I didn't know where to begin when beginning to research doctors to do the VSG procedure for my husband and me. We knew were we were going to be self-pay -so we went to OH.com and started research. By happy accident, we found Dr. Alvarez! One thing that I immediately noticed was how many positive reviews he has had, and how many procedures he's done! I'll be honest; I thought this was too good to be true! I started searching for any complications or anything wrong- NOTHING! The next day, I called Susan (his patient coordinator). She was AWESOME! She walked me through the entire process- very easy! Once approved (less than 24 hours after starting the process), we scheduled a surgery date that was convenient for my husband and I. In the meantime, anytime we had any questions-... [Click here for more] we could either call or email and get an immediate response. She sent us very detailed instructions for pre-op and post-op as well as forms and information about the procedure. She followed up with a phone call to ensure that we understood everything. She totally put our minds at ease!!
We arrived in San Antonio the day before surgery and met Rosie. She drove us from San Antonio to the Holiday Inn Express in Eagle Pass. She checked us into our very nice hotel room, and then told us she would see us the next day to go to Piedras Negras. The next morning, Rosie was there exactly when she said she would be. She drove us across the border to Piedras Negras. While we were driving, she showed us some interesting sights along the way. Again, she was very very friendly and very professional. The drive from the hotel in Eagles Pass to the hospital was only about 5-10 minutes! We got to the hospital and finally got to meet Dr. Alvarez. I was TOTALLY impressed and put at ease the minute I met him. He radiated confidence!! Dr. Rosales came in a while later- again- wow. From that minute on- I had no worries or fears- I just knew everything was going to be okay!! The hospital room was very nice. We had ‘the suite’ as both of us were having surgery together. The hospital staff was very nice as well. Anytime we needed anything, they were there. I couldn’t believe how many times we saw the doctors! In fact, I lost count of how many times either Dr. Alvarez or Dr. Rosales checked on us!! It was over 10 times per day!! I hate to say this because I work in the medical field, but at US hospitals, we are lucky to get checked on once or twice a day!! It has now been a month (to the day) since the surgery, and neither of us have had any complications. We had very minimal bruising around the incision sites, and absolutely no gas pains. We have absolutely no regrets about our decision to have this surgery with Dr. Alvarez.
Long story short- from beginning to end- everyone (Susan, Rosie, Dr. Alvarez, Dr. Rosales, Christina, all the nurses at the hospital, etc) was very professional and very friendly. Dr. Alvarez truly is a life-saver!!
Posted on 06/29/2009 |
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gigi717
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I was extremely impressed with Dr. Alvarez and his staff. Their concern and compassion was immeasurable. I know there are a lot of folks out there concerned about even going across the border to Mexico much less have surgery there. You understand from the onset that your health and safety are first and foremost with all of Dr. Alvarez's staff. The hospital staff was outstanding. If you do not speak spanish, as I do not, there was no problem. It's surgery your gonna sleep. I'm sure the staff checked on me more often, but the only time I knew they were was when it was time for meds. I was also very pleased with Dr. Alvarez Patient Liason, Susan, I had emails from her before I even got home checking on me to see how I was doing. Her concern for me both before and after was something... [Click here for more] I never experienced with surgery before. I appreciateed so much. I will definately be going back for my fills. I don't want to entrust my after care to anyone else but Dr. Alvarez. I suggest if anyone has reservations about going to "Mexico" for surgery. Go take a look, check it out. You will be pleasantly surprised. I am so looking forward with my continued relationship with Dr. Alvarez and all his staff.
Posted on 06/29/2009 |
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ravenjj1
Dartmouth, NS
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My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that he was very warm and reassuring, along with being a professional. Over time this impression was strengthened by the way I was treated along with how my husband was treated. His office staff was kind and polite. I think that future patients should know that he is more than willing to listen to your questions and concerns. Do NOT hesitate to ask him anything. Aftercare is very important to him. Before you leave he will take the opportunity to go over the aftercare with you and emphasize the important points. He did address the risks of surgery before I even went in for the surgery. I would rate him as a wonderful surgeon. I believe that surgical competence and bedside manner are very important and Dr. Alvarez has both of these in... [Click here for more] abundance. The hospital staff was wonderful and considerate. The hospital itself was older but very clean. Also, my husband was present and was able to walk around the area, go out for supper etc. and had no difficulty with the community. The people are very nice and he enjoyed the walk.
As for anything negative, I did expect the hospital to be newer. This however, did not affect my opinion of the care I received. Also, I found it difficult to travel afterwards. Granted, I had a 2 hour drive and 9 hours on a plane only 3 days after surgery. I would not recommend this to anyone.
Posted on 06/28/2009 |
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Carmen M.
TX
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My experience with Dr. Alvarez was the absolute best. Never have I met another doctor who was more down-to-earth and amiable. Most doctors, especially here in the U.S., tend to look down their nose at you. Dr. A was nothing like that. He was friendly, open to my ideas, opinions, and questions, and has excellent bedside manner.
His staff was very professional and very attentive. There was always a nurse available for anything I needed or wanted. They were constantly checking my IV hand for swelling, and asking how I was feeling and if I needed anything.
I think what I liked best about Dr. A was that he actually went to see me about 3 times a day the whole time I was there. I mean, honestly, when would that happen here in the states?
Even though at first I was a bit... [Click here for more] nervous about having my surgery in Mexico, I had nothing to worry about. I was shuttled from the hotel in Eagle Pass, TX straight through the border and to the hospital in less than 15 minutes. The hospital is less than a mile from the border. We had no problems crossing to or from Mexico. Rosie, the young lady who picked us up and dropped us back off at the hotel, was very sweet and friendly.
I was very excited when Dr. A told me that my surgery went well without any problems. I was instructed by the doctor on after-care for 5 tiny incisions on my tummy, and on the importance of following the structured liquid and food phases after the surgery. I began my pre-op diet on May 11, 2009, had my surgery June 1, 2009, and as of today (June 28, 2009) I have lost 42 pounds.
Dr. Alvarez's surgical competence and bedside manner were both excellent, and I would recommend Dr. A and his staff in a heart-beat to anyone considering VSG.
Posted on 06/28/2009 |
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srt5441
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For most of my adult life I have struggled with being overweight. After trying too numerous to count diets and weight loss plans without persistent success, I came to consider bariatric surgery.
As a physician, I carefully researched the various options through 1)conversations with people who had undergone lap band, traditional gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy, 2)physicians who did these procedures plus the transoral gastroplasty and 3)medical textbooks/journal articles. With a BMI of 40 and desiring long term success with the fewest potential complications, I settled on the VSG procedure.
Dr. Alvarez at Endobariatrics continually came to the forefront of my list when I considered which surgeon to use. His website was excellent and I was thoroughly impressed... [Click here for more] when I contacted his staff for further information. Susan George, who is the coordinator for VSG, was extremely pleasant and easy to talk to. She was also very knowlegable and efficient with providing information about the procedure, pre-surgery diet the hospitalization process and post-surgical diet/course. Anytime I had a question/need, she rapidly responded. Her coordination of travel/lodging from the airport in San Antonio to Piedras Niegras and back would put many professional travel agents to shame.
Dr. Alvarez was very approachable and accomodating. He too, was very speedy in responding to e-mails. When I requested to be able to have the procedure on the same day a friend was scheduled despite their arrangements having been made weeks in advance, Dr. Alvarez readily added me to the schedule. From the moment I walked into his office through the time I left the hospital, he made me feel as if I were his only patient. (My friend felt the same way). He was thorough in his discussion of the procedure and potential risks as well as the post-operative course. He and his nurse, Kristina, personally walked us from his ofice to the lab/radiology departments and then to our rooms as we checked in. He came back to see us pre-operatively and post-operatively he came at least five times/day. We saw him at all hours of the day and night. His bedside manner was phenomenal and clearly his surgical skills were excellent as I felt good enough to go back to work only one day after arriving home.
His staff were also exemplary. Not only did Dr. Alvarez round frequently, but also Kristina, his assisting surgeon, Dr. Rosales and the anesthesiologist, Dr. Salinas who were also very personable and skilled. Even Rosy, the van driver, who was very pleasant, fun and caring of her passengers would pop in to see us as she picked up and dropped other patients.
Once you are discharged from the hospital and dropped off at the hotel/airport, your relationship with the Endobariatrics staff does not stop. I have been pleased to have multiple e-mails from Dr. Alvarez and Susan since my arrival home.
As I stated earlier, as a physician I wanted the best procedure and surgeon and could have chosen to go anywhere for the VSG. I never once was given any reason to fear for my health (e.g. procedure or H1N1/swine flu) nor personal safety when I traveled to Mexico to be Dr. Alvarez's patient. His charge for the procedure was also excellent. I would refer any person who is a candidate for the vertical sleeve gastrectomy procedure to Dr. Alvarez without ANY reservations. Three weeks post-op I am down 21.5 pounds, several inches and most importantly I feel good!
Posted on 06/28/2009 |
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erin_is_buddhalicious
Highland, CA
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My first impression of Dr. Alvarez was that he was calm, collected, and prepared, and that didn't change over the long conversations I had with his office pre and post-op. His office staff was great; the driver who picked myself and another patient getting surgery on the same day from San Antonio was efficient and friendly, as was Christina, a nurse dedicated to just our care in addition to the regular hospital staff.
I know that it sounds scary to go to a surgeon that's in Mexico, but I hope that you'll take the time to research him and thoroughly question his staff before you make a rash decision. I can honestly say that I researched for MONTHS multiple surgeons and not only was Dr. Alvarez the best surgical option (he stitches the stomach in addition to stapling, so there are... [Click here for more] much lower risks of leakage and hernias than other doctors), he was by far the best financial option.
MY health was always his prime concern. I did a comprehensive pre-op diet and their information about aftercare was delivered in person in addition to a 30 page dietary guide. He addressed my concerns about the surgery head on, taking tons of time to explain their anesthesia procedures and never made me feel like my questions were dumb or not appropriate.
Dr. Alvarez called my family right after the procedure to let them know I was okay! He was gracious with them and didn't make THEM feel rushed either.
I'm so happy I went to him. I couldn't have made a better choice. His surgical competence (I never suffered extreme discomfort or post-op difficulties like nausea, et cetera) and amazing bedside manner (he visited me frequently for the two days I was in the hospital) make him the best choice. I hope you'll keep all these things in mind when you're weighing your choices, and please don't let the fact that the hospital is in Mexico affect your decision too greatly. It's literally less than 10 minutes south of the border, and nicer than a lot of other cities I've seen in the U.S!
Posted on 06/27/2009 |
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sandir
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My friends and family were adamant that I should not have surgery done in Mexico. When I told my general practitioner Dr. here in San Antonio my plans, he said absolutely not.He said I had no idea what I was getting into in Mexico, and that it would be hard to find a Dr. in San Antonio to fix any complications.
My step-daughter had highly recommended Dr. Alvarez. Many, MANY of her friends have also heard of and/or had surgery done by Dr. Alvarez. After two years, my stepdaughter looks amazing, and her self-esteem has shot up. She is a counselor for a school district.
I looked up Dr. Alvarez on the internet and was amazed by what I saw. I got to see exactly what I would be going through.
My step-daughter pulled no punches. She said not to expect the hospital to look exactly... [Click here for more] like the hospitals in the states, but that it would be nice, it would be extremely clean (it was) and that the nursing staff was at your beck and call (they were). Now the operating room is different. It is so state of the art. I would compare it to any operating room in the world.
Every patient has their own room, and is invited to bring a guest with them to stay with them in their room if they would like. Every room has a cable TV (yes,English channels), computer, refrigerator, and a sofa. A bed is brought in for your guest if you have one.
Dr. Alvarez is a very personable person, and upon meeting him, I could see why his patients spoke so highly of him. It was impressive that either he or his assistant Dr.(that assisted him in my surgery) visited me several times during the day and evening.
During the day, there are nurses that speak English proficiently. In the evening, however, the nurses are not as proficient. Dr. Alvarez' staff took care of this, by the way, by developing a "cheat sheet" as a fellow patient called it, and if she needed something, she said Everything was on the list!
Speaking of lists...The forms and information I was given about aftercare is astounding! I actually made a notebook for everything. I was even given grocery lists for everything I would need post-op.
Susan, our surgery coordinator, is always just a phone call away. I have called her I don't know how many times. She is an angel.She was a patient herself, and an R.N., so she is a tremendous help.
The "clincher" though, is Dr. Alvarez himself.
I had my surgery on a Tuesday, and it was Saturday night,4 days later. I was at home, it was 10:30 p.m., and I couldn't call Susan. I decided to text Dr. Alvarez with my "problem" (turns out I wasn't drinking enough liquids). I figured he'd see it in the next day or so, and have Susan call me on Monday (you know, like they do in the states). HE TEXTED ME BACK WITHIN 15 MINUTES. He told me exactly what to do, soothed my nerves, and I went right to sleep! I will never forget that. Tell me you get this kind of treatment in the states.
Dr. Alvarez has studied and worked in the United States, England, and Mexico. A man like this returning my call as if I'm the most important person in the world. I am truly indebted to him.
Posted on 06/27/2009 |
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